Naz Shah resigns from Home Affairs Select Committee

The MP embroiled in accusations of anti-Semitism, Naz Shah, has stood down from the Commons home affairs select committee as it launches a probe into anti-Jewish prejudice in British life.

Ms Shah has been suspended from the Labour Party pending the outcome of an internal investigation into social media posts she made before the last general election which have been branded anti-Semitic in tone.

Announcing Ms Shah’s move, home affairs committee chairman Keith Vaz said Prime Minister David Cameron and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn would give evidence during the probe into anti-Semitism.

Mr Vaz said: “Naz Shah attended the private session of the committee today and she has informed me and the committee that she wishes to stand aside from all her duties until current matters are resolved.

“We have accepted her decision. She will not take part in any future matters concerning the home affairs select committee with immediate effect, until further notice.

“The committee will now proceed with its inquiry into anti-Semitism, and we will begin calling witnesses including the Community Security Trust, the Jewish Board of Deputies, Ken Livingstone, and the Prime Minister, Jeremy Corbyn & Angus Robertson.” 

A spokeswoman for the committee said the investigation into anti-Semitism, which was in train prior to the controversy currently engulfing the Labour Party, was set to begin before the Commons rises for the summer recess in July.

Mr Cameron has told the committee he is willing to give evidence, but no date for his appearance has been decided yet.